Serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α levels in thyroidectomized rats

This study was conducted to determine the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in thyroidectomized rats. Hypothyroidism was performed by surgical thyroidectomy in rats. Four weeks after from surgical procedure, selected cytokines levels were evaluated. Hypothyroidism was confirmed by elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and decreased free tri-iodothyronine (fT3) levels (P<0.05) in thyroidectomized group. Serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 levels have shown slight increase, whereas only TNF-α level (P<0.05) were significant statistically in thyroidectomized rats compared with control group. In conclusion, the obtained data suggest that elevated levels of cytokines could be as a consequence of thyroidectomy operation.